strawberry shortcakes a la mode

OK, I have to post this recipe. Handyman made these for my Mother's Day dessert and I just made them again last night to accompany our Sunday night dinner.

This strawberry shortcake was the perfect combination of yummy to easy-to-make ratio.

{new} old fashion oatmeal cookies

Looking for a packable treat for your Memorial day picnic? These fit the bill!

I got this recipe from a friend and I just had to try it. Handyman was out town, the kids in bed, the kitchen clean, and I without any book to read. So what else to do? Bake, of course. And good thing, because the next day one of my friends was sick and this was the perfect dessert to go with the dinner that I took her. Let's face it, I didn't want these sweet little treasures sitting around my house -my kids ate one after lunch and then I packed up the rest.

I love baking for other people!

ice cream & cake parfait

The easiest way to serve cake and ice cream at a children's party -parfait style!

I made these ice cream and cake parfaits recently for my daughter's summer birthday party.  I was running the party solo, so I knew I need to have everything done in advance.

These were the perfect solution to serving cake and ice cream to a young crowd. Everything can be done ahead of time, just pull them out of the freezer and enjoy the party along with your guests.

MATERIALS

• Clear glasses
• Ice cream
• Cake
• Crushed Oreos
• Gummy worms

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare a cake of your choosing. Bake in a half sheet pan.
2. After baking remove the cake from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
3. Freeze the cake, until firm enough to cut. I baked mine in the morning and it was chilled enough by evening to cut out.
4. Using a round cookie cutter the same diameter as your glass, carefully cut out cake. (See photo below.)
5. Place a scoop of soften ice cream into cup. Top with a layer of fudge, cake, and whipped cream.
6. Garnish according to your event. I sprinkled crumbed Oreos and placed a gummy worm on top to accompany our fishy theme.

Don't forget use a cutter the same diameter as your serving glasses.

Anyone else have an all-in-one dessert favorite?

Sunday: |I Heart Naptime|Nifty Thrifty Things|It's Overflowing| MopItUp| Twigg Studios| Monday: |Made By You| C.R.A.F.T.| DIY Showoff|Between Naps on the Porch| Debbie Doo's| Home Stories A to Z| diy home sweet home Tuesday: Coastal Charm| Nest for Less|Tip Junkie|My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia|A Bowl Full of Lemons|Get Your Craft On|ClaimingOurSpace Wednesday: Uncommon|Savvy Southern Style |Organize and Decorate| NYMelroseFamily|Newlyweds Recipe Linky|Southern Lovely| Home Happy Home|Gingersnap Crafts  Thursday: The Shabby Creek Cottage|Made in a Day|House of Hepworths|the 36th Avenue| Crafty Scrappy, Happy|52 Mantels Friday: Making Lemonade|Blissful and Domestic|One Artsy Mama|Serenity Now| Tatertots and Jello|The Shabby Nest|Thirty Handmade Days|Addicted 2 Decorating|Funky Junk Interiors|Financial Friday|At the Picket Fence|Classy Clutter|

kit kat cake

this little baby was worth $150. . .

I've seen lots of these KitKat cakes popping up on Pinterest, so I thought I would give it a try myself.

I made and donated this cake for a bake auction. Typically, there are some really beautiful cakes there from some of  my super talented friends. Since, I can't decorate cakes, I decided to take the lazy easy route -cover a cake in candy. You can too. Here's how:


Steps

1. Bake a two layer cake of your choosing.
2. Frost the middle, top, and sides with chocolate frosting.
3. Place unwrapped KitKats along the cake sides.
4. Cover the top with small candies. I used M&M's.
5. (Optional) Tie with a coordinating ribbon.

The cake is great to make if you have little helpers around. My little guy unwrapped all the KitKats and helped me place the M&M's on top.

Anyone else make this trendy cake yet?

Linked up to Debbie Doos, Making the World Cuter, HomeSweetHome, LinesAcrossMyFace, NifyThrifty, CRAFT, HomemakerOnADime, MadeByYou, MadSkills, PityParty, SingingThreeLittleBirds, SweetAnneDesigns, S3, KeepingItSimple, MakeItMonday, Brassy Apple, Tatortots&Jello, g*rated, HowtoNestforLess, NotJustaHousewife, CoastalCharm, Today'sCreativeBlog, KurtzCorner, Carolyn'sHomework, SugarBeeCrafts, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia, TipJunkie, aBowlFullofLemons, CozyHomeScenes, theDelectableHome, BoogieboardCottage, theMommyClub, GingerSnaps, SavvySouthernStyle, NewlywedsOnaBudget, DIYByDesign, UncommonDesign, Michelle'sTastyCreations, LiveLaughRowe, ShabbyCreekCottage, BeyondthePicketFence, FirefliesandJellbeans, HouseofHepworths, the36thAve, LovingThisCrazyLife, FindingFabulous, AtthePicketFence, TheShabbyNext, ALittleKnickKnack, 30HandmadeDays, CheeriosandLattes, SomethingSwanky, SweetToothFriday, TheSweetSpot, DelightfullyDowling, It'sOverflowing, MopItUp, SouthernSunday, TheSweetDetails, CookingWithKaryn, ThriftyDecorChick, ClassyClutter, ClaimingOurSpace, CatchAGlimpse, NYMelroseFamily

my secret weapon

is not so secret. In fact, it's a down right massive enterprise. It's Martha Stewart.

You've probably gathered by this point that I like to cook and bake. I usually jump at opportunities to do so -book group meetings, baby showers, holiday dinners, whatever.

In true confession, I love cooking for an event, but I {sometimes} dread making dinner for my family. 

I just don't like to cook and bake the same thing all the time.  I like to make something new. I'm also guilty of using new recipes for said events, without trying them out first. (I know, I know . . .it's such a no-no.) It's hurt me a couple of times, but nothing a quick run to the market can't remedy, and clearly not enough times to make me change.

That being said, I require a constant source of new recipes, meal plans, and presentation ideas. Enter good ole Martha.

I know that not everyone likes her. But, she has a small army working for her. And with the exception of true ethnic foods, there's not much you can't food on her site. Her recipes always look like the photo. (Which is usually why I'm making it in the first place.) They taste good. And the recipes call for fresh seasonal ingredients.

Here are some of my spring-leading-into-summer favorites . . which all coordinate nicely if you want an instant, easy-and-quick-to-make menu plan. . .

Herb Salad with Feta

image source

Asparagus and Potato Flat bread

image source

Raw Corn and Zucchini Salad

image source

Lemon Bars

image source

What's your go to recipe site?

Or your favorite spring recipes?

my favorite kitchen gadgets

I love to cook and I love to bake. And I've learn over the years that certain tools make both of these much easier and pleasant.

I pinned a number of these products long ago on my Pinterest Products I Love board.

Here's the run down on my favorite kitchen items

Number 1
My Kitchen Aid
I could not live without my Kitchen Aid. Growing up, my mom had an almond one, and she let me use whenever I wanted. I think I used it more than her. (And I'm pretty sure she still has it.)

Mine was a gift on our wedding registry that we didn't receive. But I knew I wanted one, so I returned a bunch of gifts to accumulate enough store credit to purchase it. This is the only appliance I keep on my counter tops, and she deserves it. This is only hard working and versatile machine.

Number 2
My WS Nesting Mixing Bowls
Every kitchen needs a set of mixing bowls. These particular bowls are from Williams-Sonoma. They have gripper bottom and a pour spout. Not only are they well designed, I think they are pretty cute. They come in various colors. Mine were a gift from my mother-in-law.

Number 3
My Pampered Chef Scrapers
These little scrappers come with the stoneware line. But honestly, I reach for mine much more often than I use my stone wear. This is little guy is perfect for scraping dried on food or spills. This will easily lift off anything that doesn't come up with the swipe of a wet rag.

Number 4
My Cuisinart Food Processor
This is the newest addition to my kitchen (of those on the list). I don't pull it out for the small cutting or chopping tasks, but when cooking a big meal, or lots of meals, this is the way to go. Well worth the price. But shop around -there is always good deals online and at the department stores.

What are your favorite kitchen gadgets?

Linking up at Censational Girl & Tip Junkie today

birthday cake

April, it's my party planning month. Why you ask?

Because in May I have three birthdays, an anniversary, and (2) Mother's Day.

My husband's birthday is first. And lucky for me, his favorite cake is a yellow cake mix with store bought frosting. Yep. I am perfectly willing and able to make a him a delightfully labor intensive cake from scratch. But that's his favorite. So, that's what I make. Just about every year.

Also lucky for me, he doesn't like a big fuss about his birthday. Years ago, when we were first married, I threw him a surprise party. He didn't really care for it. And that's fine with me, because my kids like it when I make a big fuss over their birthdays. So it works out pretty well.

{if you look closely you'll notice a small child-sized finger chocolate frosting stealing swipe}

and just in case you needed the recipe here it is:

store bought yellow cake mix, any brand

store bought chocolate frosting, any brand

follow cake mix directions

frost any way you like

keep away from mischievous 3 year old boys

What are your favorite family birthday traditions? Any chocolate frosting thieves in your family?

easter preparations

Easter is right around the corner, and I know my kids are excited. Like most kids, they love to decorate eggs, make holiday decorations, and search for their Easter baskets Sunday morning.

I love to make a big traditional dinner.

(try this leek and potato galette this year. It's yummy and easy to make)

carrot cake

just in time for Easter, try this easy, no fail, versatile carrot cake for dessert this year. Bake it as a layer cake, cupcakes, or for the more adventurous, cut and decorate into a bunny shape.

Recipe from
Betty Crocker's Cake Decorating book

Pin It

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 4 medium)
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 c water
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 2 round pans, 8 or 9 inches.
2. Beat all ingredients in large bowl on medium speed, scraping bowl constantly, until blended, about 1 minute. Beat on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, 2 minutes. Pour into pans.
3. Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes: remove from pans. Cool completely.

old fashioned white bread

Feeling stressed? Take your frustrations out on a loaf of bread dough. The pounding is good for the texture and the soul while your tensions melt away.

The bread is made with milk for a tender and fine texture, just like your grandmother used to make. Enjoy!

Recipe from West Bend

Ingredients

• 3/4 c milk
• 1 T butter
• 2 c bread flour
• 1 T sugar
• 1 t salt
• 1 package yeast

Directions

Mix, knead, and bake at 375 for 18 minutes. Makes a 1lb loaf of bread to share with friends and family. Tiny fingers not included.

Linking up to BNOTP, Debbie Doos, Making the World Cuter, LinesAcrossMyFace, NifyThrifty, CRAFT, HomemakerOnADime, MadeByYou, MadSkills, SingingThreeLittleBirds, SweetAnneDesigns, S3, HowtoNestforLess, NotJustaHousewife, CoastalCharm, Carolyn'sHomework, SugarBeeCrafts, ClaimingOurSpace, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia, aBowlFullofLemons, CozyHomeScenes, theDelectableHome, BoogieboardCottage, theMommyClub, GingerSnaps, SavvySouthernStyle, NewlywedsOnaBudget, DIYByDesign, UncommonDesign, Michelle'sTastyCreations, LiveLaughRowe, ShabbyCreekCottage, FirefliesandJellbeans, HouseofHepworths, the36thAve, LovingThisCrazyLife, FindingFabulous, AtthePicketFence, TheShabbyNest, 30HandmadeDays, It'sOverflowing, MopItUp, ClassyClutter, SundayRoundUp, What'sCookin', FrenchParty, OurDelightfulHome, MakingLemonade, BlissfulandDomestic, One ArtsyMama, KurtzCorner, TipJunkie

lemon poppy-seed cookies

No matter what your weather outside, these little sunny babies will bring a ray of sunshine right in.

Recipe from
marthastewart.com

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 3 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest (2 to 3 lemons)
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon poppy seeds, plus more for sprinkling

Directions

1. 
   Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bring lemon juice to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook until reduced by half. Add 1 stick butter; stir until melted.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream remaining stick butter and 1 cup sugar on medium speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix in egg and lemon butter. Mix until pale, about 3 minutes. Mix in vanilla and 2 teaspoons zest. Mix in flour mixture and poppy seeds.
3. Stir together remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons zest. Roll spoonfuls of dough into 1 1/2-inch balls; roll them in sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Press each with the flat end of a glass dipped in sugar mixture until 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with seeds.
4. Bake until just browned around bottom edges, 10 to 11 minutes. Transfer to wire racks; let cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Debbie Doos, Making the World Cuter, LinesAcrossMyFace, NifyThrifty, CRAFT, HomemakerOnADime, MadeByYou, MadSkills, SingingThreeLittleBirds, SweetAnneDesigns, S3, KeepingItSimple, HowtoNestforLess, NotJustaHousewife, CoastalCharm, Today'sCreativeBlog, KurtzCorner, Carolyn'sHomework, SugarBeeCrafts, ClaimingOurSpace, MyUncommonSliceofSuburbia, aBowlFullofLemons, CozyHomeScenes, theDelectableHome, BoogieboardCottage, theMommyClub, GingerSnaps, SavvySouthernStyle, NewlywedsOnaBudget, DIYByDesign, UncommonDesign, Michelle'sTastyCreations, LiveLaughRowe, ShabbyCreekCottage, FirefliesandJellbeans, HouseofHepworths, the36thAve, LovingThisCrazyLife, SomethingSwanky, FindingFabulous, AtthePicketFence, TheShabbyNext, ALittleKnickKnack, 30HandmadeDays, CheeriosAndLattes, It'sOverflowing, MopItUp, SouthernSunday, TheSweetDetails, ThriftyDecorChick, ClassyClutter, NYMelroseFamily, SundayRoundUp, TipJunkie, MakingLemonade

old fashion sugar cookies

These yummy little babies call for a smidgen of real lemon juice, a sprinkling of course sugar, and turn out super soft.

Recipe from
martha stewart

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup unsalted butter, (2 sticks), softened
• 2 large eggs
• Sanding sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl; set aside.
2. Put sugars and lemon zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed 30 seconds. Add butter; mix until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute. Mix in eggs, 1 at a time, and then the lemon juice. Reduce speed; gradually add flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
3. Scoop dough using a 2-inch ice cream scoop; space cookies 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten cookies slightly with a spatula. Sprinkle tops with sanding sugar, then lightly brush with a wet pastry brush; sprinkle with more sanding sugar.
4. Bake cookies until golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks using a spatula; let cool completely. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.

Linked up to 30 Handmade Days, Debbie Doos, Making the World Cuter, Home Sweet Home, Lines Across My Face, Nifty Thrifty, A Rosie Sweet Home, CRAFT, BNOTP, Alderberry Hill, Homemaker on a Dime, Made by You, Mad Skills, How to Nest for Less, Not Just a Housewife, Coastal Charm, Today's Creative Blog, Kurtz Corner, Carolyn's Homework, Sugar Bee Crafts, My Uncommon Slice of Suburia, Tip Junkie, g*rated, Our Delightful Home, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Cozy Home Scenes, Claiming Our Space, Tea Rose Home, Blue Cricket Design, The Mommy Club, Ginger Snaps, Savvy Southern Style, Newlyweds On a Budget, DIY by Design, Uncommon Design, Someday Crafts, The Shabby Creek Cottage, live.laugh.rowe, Fireflies and Jellybeans, The 36th Ave, Loving this Crazy Life, Beyond the Picket Fence, Sugar and Dots, My Girlish Whims, Timeout Tuesday, Catch a Glimpse, Serendipity and Spice, Finding Fabulous, Feathered Nest, Stuff and Nonsense, Common Ground, Redoux, My Romantic Home, It's Overflowing, Our Reflection, I Heart Naptime, Under the Table and Dreaming, TipJunkie

zucchini bread

This is our family's favorite zucchini bread recipe.

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup oil
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups raw zucchini, grated
• 1 cup nuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Combine eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla. Mix together.
2. Add the dry ingredients. Stir in zucchini (unpeeled) and nuts.
3. Bake in two greased/floured loaf pans or a 10 cup bundt pan at 325 degrees for about 1 hour or until done.

new old-fashion oatmeal sandwich cookies

I saw this recipe on another blog and I just had to try it. Handyman was out town, the kids in bed, the kitchen was clean, and I without any book to read. So what else to do? Bake, of course. And good thing, because the next day one of my friends was sick and this was the perfect dessert to go with the chili and cornbread dinner that I took her.

Let's face it, I didn't want these sweet little treasures sitting around my house -my little one ate one after lunch and then I packed up the rest. I love baking for other people!

Recipe from
Krafty Katrina

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 cups oats, rolled or quick

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375F.Beat butter and sugars with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, beating well.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl and whisk together. Add to the butter mixture. Add oats; stir well.
3. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375F for 9-11 minutes. Cool on pan 2 to 3 minutes. Remove cookies from pan and cool on wire racks.
4. Spread 1 tablespoon cream filling over bottom side of half of the cookies. Top with remaining cookies, right side up.

Cream Filling

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat ingredients together until combined and light and fluffy.